The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast: Recent Episodes

Alexander Parker

Welcome to The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast! A podcast that serves as an educational, creative, informative, and intellectual space for African-Americans and Latinos (Hispanic-Americans, Latinx) alike! This is an effort to encourage unity, peace, knowledge, and creativity, in the spirit of Latin-Boogaloo, a crossover music genre from the 1960's era in New York. I wanted to make a safe space for African-Americans and Latinos, two groups that I'm a part of; my father being African-American from Brooklyn, New York and my late mother being Afro-Costa Rican..these two groups that I have A LOT of love for and that I'm proud to be a part of to learn more about each other and continue on this historical collaboration.

View Details

Hey guys! This episode features a conversation between me and my dear friend Fabio Mariano! He is a ballet dancer for Collage Dance Collective, an organization in Memphis that has brought ballet to people of color, vastly changing the culture around ballet. Mariano is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has lived in Memphis for 6 years. Both he and I talk about ballet, dance & gender, racism in Brazil, parallels of Afro Brazilian culture and African American culture, and the recent Lula election. It was great to have him on the show! Obrigado!

This is the last interview episode of season 1! As always thank you all for your support!

Support the show

View Details

What's good! Hola a todos! This episode features Corey Wright, one of the OG salsa dancers in the Memphis Latin dance scene! He loves music and sees salsa dancing as an art form that allows energetic self-expression. We both enjoy dancing to salsa music and enjoy the discipline of it. We also agree that it's a great way to meet people!
Happy Black History Month!

In this episode we talk about:

  • How Corey Wright got into salsa dancing
  • Experience as a Black salsa dancer
  • Salsa Dancing as Art
  • "Africanness" of Salsa Music
  • African Americans recognizing the jazz influence in salsa music
  • Gaining confidence from learning and failing
  • The Culture of Inclusivity in the Rumba Room

Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com

Support the show

View Details

Hey everyone! Happy New Year and Happy Martin Luther King Day!

This is an important day to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We also must be aware of the whitewashing of his legacy and that he is extremely misunderstood. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a brilliant Black intellectual, writer, and orator. He was anti-war, anti-imperialist, and saw connections between the Vietnam War, racial issues, and the exploitation of those in poverty. Many politicians optically agree with Dr. King but don't understand how ahead of his time he was. Dr.King was a radical in the 1960s and he would be considered radical now. He was more than "I Have A Dream". Let's learn more about Dr. King. Vamos!

Main topics of interest:

  • MLK: More Than I Have A Dream
  • Whitewashing of MLK's Legacy
  • "Thingification of the Negro"
  • Connecting Civil Rights Movement to BLM and CRT
  • Black Leftism
  • COINTEL-PRO
  • Atlanta's Cop City Development
  • Racism of Steven Crowder
  • Three Evils of U.S. Society

Sources:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_leftism
  • https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/the-forgotten-martin-luther-king-a-radical-anti-war-leftist/279148/
  • https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/12/us/mlk-relevance-today/index.html
  • https://history.uga.edu/news/stories/2018/essay-why-martin-luther-king-had-75-percent-disapproval-rating-year-his-death
  • https://www.nwesd.org/ed-talks/equity/the-three-evils-of-society-address-martin-luther-king-jr/
  • https://jeremyfassler.medium.com/you-havent-done-nothin-bernie-sanders-s-disingenuous-transformation-into-a-civil-rights-22846a4b699
  • https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/fannie-lou-hamer
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COINTELPRO
  • https://shec.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/814
  • https://www.jstor.org/stable/20459215
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI%E2%80%93King_suicide_letter
  • https://www.vox.com/xpress/2014/11/12/7204453/martin-luther-king-fbi-letter
  • Crowder Goes MASK OFF, Attacks MLK On His Holiday
  • MLK Talks 'New Phase' Of Civil Rights Struggle, 11 Months Before His Assassination | NBC News
  • Why I haven't talked about Kyrie and Kanye
  • Angela Davis & BLM Co-Founder Alicia Garza in Conve

Support the show

View Details

Warning Heavy subject matter
Hey everyone, long time no see. Be warned that this is a heavier episode, I give my response to the recent tragedies that occurred in early September 2022: The kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher and the shooting spree that happened in Memphis and North Mississippi on September 7th, 2022.

I also talk about the importance of Alicia Franklin, a young Black woman who was sexually assaulted by the same suspect who kidnaped and killed Fletcher. These horrible and heartbreaking events shook up the city. I pray for the families and individuals affected by these tragic events.

The main takeaway of the episode is to not give up on the city of Memphis despite these things happening. Memphians are tired but continue to bring value to this complicated and unique city.

In this episode I talk about the following:

  • Case of Eliza Fletcher
  • Case of Alicia Franklin
  • Runner’s Tribute Eliza’s Run “Finish Eliza’s Run"
  • Memphis shooting spree
  • Responses by Memphians on Twitter
  • Briefly addressing Memphis’ crime problem
  • How can we make Memphis safer? How could we positively impact the city? Issues with our judicial system?

Sources:

  • https://www.adl.org/resources/hate-symbol/1352-1390
  • https://detester.org/publications/162kennedy
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HukN45pJ6g&t=576s

Support the show

View Details

Hola a todos! This episode features Talia Palacio, the creator and host of La Hora de Sazón, a radio show on WYXR 97.1 FM that focuses the Latino/Latinx experience, culture, and music. 
Palacio is a native Memphian and was born in Panama. 

In our conversation, Palacio shares what it is like being raised in a bilingual household and growing up in Memphis with many cultures.  We also talk about her experience working at an HBCU.

We dive into:

  • Multiculturalism
  • The Growth Latino Organizations in Memphis
  • What is La Hora De Sazón?
  • Shared Struggles that Latinos & African Americans Face
  • Panamanian Culture
  • Jamaican Influence in Central America
  • Panamanian Impact on Latin Music
  • Reggaeton & Hip-hop
  • Stories Told in Salsa Music

La Hora de Sazón airs on Saturdays at 8pm on WYXR 91.7 FM! Make sure you check it out!

Support the show

View Details

This episode is a recorded interview with Memphis poet, free thinker, and my good friend Roberto Alfaro. (slight audio issues)
In our conversation, we discuss:

  • Mexican Identity
  • Mexican-African American relations in Memphis
  • Poetry
  • Roberto's experience growing up in Memphis
  • The story of a mysterious mystic and shaman woman known as Pachita
  • La Catrina as a memento mori and satircal response to classism in post-colonial Mexico
  • Sistema de castas and race in Latin America
  • Mesoamerican/Pre-hispanic mythology

I hope you enjoy the episode! Stay tuned for more! Thank you for listening!
Gracias por escuchar! Espero que haya disfrutado de este episodio.

HELP UKRAINE!
https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/ukraine-crisis/?gclid=CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl34jWK0iVYaMf2xXX0M27Z60_evlXtbdOFq87DPEQyIqXp8YndLGkfhoCL7sQAvD_BwE
Cook For Ukraine Fundraiser: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cookforukraine

Pachita:

  • https://mexicounexplained.com/pachita-psychic-surgeon-medium-mystic/
  • https://mxcity.mx/2015/10/pachita-la-curandera-mexicana-mas-famosa-de-la-ciudad-de-mexico/

Sunrise/Sunset Meditation:
https://treehouserecoverypdx.com/addiction-blog/sunrise-sunset-meditations/#:~:text=Sunrise%20Meditation&text=Sit%20in%20a%20comfortable%20seated,you%20like%20to%20leave%20behind%3F

Support the show

View Details

This episode features the two leaders of Cazateatro: Bilingual Theatre Group, Monica Sanchez (Co-founder of Cazateatro) and Dorimar Ferrer (Executive Director).
In our conversation, we discuss:

  • The origins and role of Cazateatro: Bilingual Theatre Group
  • What brought both Monica and Dorimar to Memphis
  • The arts and creativity and how they can be used to express cultural pride and promote togetherness
  • Latin Fest 2021 (Sept 25, 2021!!) and other upcoming events
  • Demographics of Latinos in Memphis
  • Latino/Latinx Representation
  • Thoughts about "In The Heights" movie and its colorism controversy.

I hope you enjoy the episode! Stay tuned for more! Thank you for listening!

Cazateatro's website: https://cazateatro.org/

Follow Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group on social media!

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cazateatro/
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWwCOVnW0JUqYVu4pH2Pzg
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cazateatrogroup
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazateatro_memphis/

Latin Fest 2021! Be there!! Enjoy live performances, music, and food!
https://www.facebook.com/events/overton-square/latin-fest-2021/561436275247745/

Join the Mid-South Bugalu Official Fans Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787658988077379/
Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

Part 2* This episode features rapper, gamer, illustrator, animator, poet, and dear friend from my days at MCA (Memphis College of Art), Jeshaun Powell aka ACE GAHD. He is a true example of a "Renaissance man." He is hilarious and happy go lucky but he is also someone full of ambition and talent. It was a joy to have him on the pod!
In our conversation, we discuss:

  • The origins of Hip-hop culture and its unique characteristics of rap music
  • Who are some of the most influential rappers
  • Mumble Rap having value and influencing Latin Trap artists
  • Memphis is a center of culture in TN and a city with tons of potential
  • Renaissance Man vs Artist of Life
  • Languages
  • MCA (Memphis College of Art)
  • Martial arts
  • Fighting games as new age chess

and much more!

Follow ACE GAHD on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tJnc3KKkSmaCpBfqxutbx

Subscribe to Jeshaun's Youtube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOU8efbiPWZNIXL9o-NqOQ -ACE GAHD

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrmKGugAosPmKPsXuctU8Q- ACE GAHD Beats

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCirGlX4AJxrmvFUOrRHzt4g- ACE GAHD Gaming

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw8-kMDUoEkk7mY_3dy-mig - ACE GAHD Poetry

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-7ECjYLCXogKwzOFbjFKyw -ACE GAHD Visual Arts

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EA0UKoieUc2nd2SOV8ZEw -ACE GAHD Anime

Join the Mid-South Bugalu Official Fans Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787658988077379/
Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

This episode features rapper, gamer, illustrator, animator, poet, and dear friend from my days at MCA (Memphis College of Art), Jeshaun Powell aka ACE GAHD. He is a true example of a "Renaissance man." He is hilarious and happy go lucky but he is also someone full of ambition and talent. It was a joy to have him on the pod!
In our conversation, we discuss:

  • The origins of Hip-hop culture and its unique characteristics of rap music
  • Who are some of the most influential rappers
  • Mumble Rap having value and influencing Latin Trap artists
  • Memphis is a center of culture in TN and a city with tons of potential
  • Renaissance Man vs Artist of Life
  • Languages
  • MCA (Memphis College of Art)
  • Martial arts
  • Fighting games as new age chess

and much more!

Follow ACE GAHD on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tJnc3KKkSmaCpBfqxutbx

Subscribe to Jeshaun's Youtube channels:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOU8efbiPWZNIXL9o-NqOQ -ACE GAHD

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxrmKGugAosPmKPsXuctU8Q- ACE GAHD Beats

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCirGlX4AJxrmvFUOrRHzt4g- ACE GAHD Gaming

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw8-kMDUoEkk7mY_3dy-mig - ACE GAHD Poetry

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-7ECjYLCXogKwzOFbjFKyw -ACE GAHD Visual Arts

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9EA0UKoieUc2nd2SOV8ZEw -ACE GAHD Anime

Join the Mid-South Bugalu Official Fans Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787658988077379/
Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

Oye! Salve! Welcome to the Mid-South Bugalu Podcast! In this episode, Shandon "Rasta" Allen is a Memphis martial artist, capoeira instructor, and a District Leader at Primerica Financial Services. He also happens to be the nephew of Stax Records musician, David Porter.

Rasta (pronounced "H-A-S-T-A" Portuguese for "rasta")

We talk about capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art with predominantly West African roots, and how Rasta was introduced to the art form. We also discussed how important it is for minorities in the United States to be financially literate. In addition, we talked about language learning, martial arts, and the value of bringing new experiences to the Black community in Memphis.

Contact/Contato  Nação Capoeira Memphis
Instructor/Mestre : Shadon "Rasta" Allen
Phone: 901-256-2211
Email: capoeiramemphis@gmail.com
Website: http://www.capoeiramemphis.com/

Check out Nação Capoeira Memphis on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/NacaoCapoeiraMemphis/

Join the Mid-South Bugalu Official Fans Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787658988077379/
Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

Oye! This is the first episode of MSB Rewind. MSB Rewind is a bonus episode series in which I share thoughts about my previous conversations with guests on The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast.  This episode focuses on some of the topics from "Episode 3 w/ Ramel Strong: Black American Involvement in Salsa Music." Hope you all enjoy it!

Music: Latin Trap Beat - Salsa Mexicana (Prod. Felipe x Exquisite Beats) (youtube: ayephil)
Intro music by Lunch (Prod. by Lukrembo)

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

This episode features Ramel Strong. He is from Memphis and has danced and taught mambo, salsa, and bachata for many years. He also has an immense background in finance and business.  In this episode, we discuss the African-American/Black-American involvement in Latin music in New York especially with styles like mambo, latin-boogaloo, and salsa music. We also dive into the issue of inequality in Memphis and that African-Americans, who make up the majority of the city should have more opportunity and equity. 

Join the Mid-South Bugalu Official Fans Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787658988077379/

Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com
Outro music by composer Tiki Tiki on epidemicsound.com

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

This episode features my father, Gregory K Parker. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was always into art and enjoyed technology. He became a disc jockey in New York and moved to Miami with his wife to build satellite dishes. He came to Memphis in the early 2000s. He is a big fan of R&B and currently works in a local hospital.

Intro music by Melvin Lindsay:  melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com 

(sidenote: There may be some audio issues at some points)

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

This is the first episode of The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast.  I introduce myself and what my plans are for the podcast.  I made this podcast because I felt like there needed to be a space for African-Americans and Latinos to communicate, express, educate, and share ideas; something that these two massively dynamic and influential groups have done many times historically in the United States with Latin-Boogaloo ( a 1960s New York genre of music) being a prime example of their collaboration.

I'm very excited to bring this idea to life! This past year has been rough for many of us so hopefully, this will start the new year with something positive and unique. 

I plan to have a variety of guests on for interviews and want to help businesses in Memphis and the Mid-South area.

Intro music by Melvin Lindsay.

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)

View Details

Trailer for The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast.

Welcome! Bienvenidos! The Mid-South Bugalu Podcast is a podcast that serves as an educational, creative, informative, and intellectual space for African-Americans and Latinos/Latinx. The two groups have historically had a high degree of cultural exchange with one another throughout the United States, with a prime example being a New York 1960s crossover genre called Latin Boogaloo also referred to as Latin-Soul or Shingaling. This is an effort to promote unity, peace, knowledge, and creativity to Memphis, the Mid-South area, and possibly further. (Intro music by Melvin Lindsay: melvin.lindsay.jr@gmail.com )

You can help support the show by tuning in on February 18, 2021 and sharing the podcast with your friends and family on https://www.facebook.com/midsouthbugalupodcast and following me on Instagram @midsouth_bugalu_podcast and Twitter @MidBugalu 

Support the show (https://www.paypal.me/gparker1midsouth)